Design and Performance Analysis of an Automobile-Removable Solar System for Water and Cabin Heating

Abstract

A detachable, automotive solar system for water and passenger compartment heating is developed. The study shows that an adjustable 1 m2 solar collector is sufficient to satisfy the needs of a small group during a short camping trip in Saudi Arabia desert. Also it is found that an adequate water temperature in the storage tank, due to ambient solar heating, is maintained in all cold months, except December when it is insufficient. Among the advantages of the system is its entire operation on renewable solar energy and its ability to heat the car compartment whenever the heated water reaches the required temperature and solar energy is still available.